In South Africa, MultiChoice, the owner of DStv, recently conducted a raid in Germiston on an illegal pirate streaming operation called Waka TV.
The raid led to the arrest of an individual allegedly involved in fraud, money laundering, theft, and violations of South Africa’s Cybercrimes Act.
MultiChoice said the enforcement action is part of its ongoing nationwide crackdown on piracy, which it is conducting in collaboration with its anti-piracy department and local authorities.
“During the raid, the suspect was apprehended for allegedly aiding one of the investigation’s informants,” the DStv owner said in a statement.
“The suspect is accused of allegedly providing an illegal Internet streaming device to facilitate unauthorised access to SuperSport content. This violation directly impacts broadcasters such as DStv.”
The suspect allegedly acted as a reseller connected to Waka TV. The raid saw authorities seize various items, including an alleged illicit streaming device, banners advertising unauthorised sales of DStv Premium content, and a cellphone with contact details for several individuals who paid for the illegal service.
Police also uncovered financial records linking the suspect to another high-profile target.
“Investigators have now broadened the scope of the investigation, with authorities expecting further arrests related to this network,” said MultiChoice.
The broadcasting cybersecurity anti-piracy director at MultiChoice-owned Irdeto, Frikkie Jonker, said more raids on resellers and outlets linked to Waka TV are imminent.
“Friday’s arrest marks another significant step in our ongoing battle against digital piracy in South Africa,” he said.
“We are actively tracking additional targets connected to Waka TV, and the message is clear — those participating in this illegal network will be brought to justice.”
MultiChoice’s crackdown on streaming piracy in South Africa has led to several arrests in recent months.
In early June 2024, the company announced the arrest of another individual allegedly involved in the Waka TV operation, resulting from a raid with Irdeto and the Western Cape’s Cybercrime Unit.
The suspect appeared in court on 3 June 2024, charged with fraud and contravening the Cybercrimes Act.
A day after the announcement, MultiChoice announced the arrest of a suspect involved in illegally selling pirated Internet streaming devices that enabled users to access DStv content.
Authorities arrested the suspect for allegedly managing several pirate customers and resellers and selling pirate streaming devices. They also distributed live TV content, including DStv channels, movies, and series.
In late July 2024, the pay-TV broadcaster confirmed that it conducted a successful raid in partnership with police detectives and arrested another suspect in Gauteng.
According to MultiChoice, the suspect also allegedly sold login credentials and pirated streaming devices.
